joking with someone new. She didn’t know which were his colleagues and which were just fans, but he seemed to enjoy everyone’s company. Such a sharp contrast to how drained he’d looked at the investor dinner.
Could she sneak out for the night without saying goodbye? Was it rude to leave before the auction was over? She set her drink on a nearby table and made her way toward the exit, relieved when she didn’t pass anyone. The lights and noise faded into the background, and she left it behind her with a hint of regret.
A warm hand landed at the small of her back, startling her and obliterating her musings, and a faint whiff of cologne greeted her. It was him. She stopped in the empty, quiet hallway. At least he couldn’t hear her hammering heart.
His breath was warm on her neck, his voice low. “What they’re saying is true. You really are the most beautiful woman here.”
The compliment warmed her, and she couldn’t fight the flutter that surged through her chest. She tried to push it away, stay aloof, hope it didn’t show on the surface. “Really? How many of the others have you said that to?”
“Not a single one.” Hurt was distinct in his reply.
She winced at the wounded honesty, but hid her reaction, never turning to face him.
“It’s a shame we’re just associates. Friends at best.” He moved closer until his entire left side was pressed against her back, hand on her hip and finger tracing a light line along the top of her skirt. “Because I desperately want to take you home with me.”
Her skin flushed from the contact and the sincere words, and she was glad the makeup and latex hid it. She spun, any response dying on her lips when she met his gaze. She traced a finger over his face beneath the fake scar. “This is sexy, but I’m glad it’s not real.”
He inhaled through clenched teeth, a reluctant smile flitting in. “Me too. Getting something like this probably hurts like hell.”
She laughed and ducked her head. It was too easy. Too much fun.
He stepped closer, and she locked her gaze on him again, sinking into the deep brown of his eyes. He traced a finger over her bottom lip, and an electrified chill ran through her. Her lips parted, and her eyes half drifted shut as she leaned in.
His mouth found hers, and her heart hammered in response to the gentle kiss. He deepened the gesture, hand moving to the small of her back and holding her close. She pressed tightly against him, memorizing every inch of how his body felt against hers, his distinct reaction digging into her hip.
A loud giggle echoed through the empty hallway, sounding like shattering glass in the otherwise still.
Her eyes flew open, and she broke the kiss as she remembered how very public their surroundings were. She forced one foot back, and then the other, putting a several inches between them. Her laugh sounded forced and nervous, even to her own ears, and disappointment warred with propriety. “This might not be the time.”
He studied her for a moment, expression finally breaking into a sad smile. “Had to give it a shot, right?” Hurt rang heavy in his fake laughter. “Anyway, I’m out of here soon, just wanted to tell you good night. Thank you for coming.”
He kept the distance between them, and her disappointment grew.
“See you.” He moved away, not shaking her hand, or kissing her cheek, or anything, before he faded back into the crowd.
She slumped against a nearby wall, beating back the desire to chase him down. To tell him it didn’t matter. To admit how very much she wanted to leave with him too. Too bad that wouldn’t be appropriate.
Chapter 17
Kenzie pushed her laptop out of the way, resting her arms on her desk and her chin on her arms. She didn’t know why she was trying to work. She hadn’t gotten any done for the last two days.
Her bedroom wall stared back at her, the off-white texture not giving her any answers. Every time she tried to do something, anything, even basic things like sleeping, thoughts of Scott haunted her. His arm wrapped around her while she drifted off. Waking up with his chest pressed against her back. His finger on her lips before he faded back into the crowds at the masquerade.
The wounded pain in his eyes. How very much she just needed to walk away but couldn’t.
Something tickled her thoughts,